The Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria, is now accepting applications for its 61st Diploma Course in Hospitality Management or Tourism Management, scheduled to run from September 7, 2026, to May 30, 2027. The program is specifically designed for professionals from developing countries seeking to enhance their expertise in sustainable tourism practices.<\/p>\n
The diploma course provides modern tourism and hospitality knowledge based on sustainability principles, equipping graduates with the skills needed to strengthen the tourism industry in their home countries. The program aims to help participants attract both national and international guests while creating stable income opportunities across all qualification levels.<\/p>\n
The two-semester course structure includes comprehensive theoretical training followed by a three-month internship in Austria, offering participants hands-on experience in the Austrian tourism and hospitality sector. The program combines operational training with academic theory, providing students with a well-rounded education in industry management.<\/p>\n
The curriculum is divided into three distinct modules: the General Module, the Professional Module, and an Elective option.<\/p>\n
General Module<\/strong><\/p>\n All students begin with fundamental coursework covering Management, Business Administration, and modern software applications. Additional subjects include Financial and Management Accounting, Economics, General Management and Human Resources, Digital Marketing, Regional Aspects and Sustainable Development, German language instruction, PC Applications, Intercultural Aspects, Ethics, and various workshops.<\/p>\n Professional Module<\/strong><\/p>\n Students can choose between two specialization tracks:<\/p>\n Hospitality Management focuses on practical training in modern facilities equipped with kitchen, bar, and restaurant amenities. The curriculum covers Front Office Management, Housekeeping Management, Hotel Marketing and Sales, Food and Beverage Management and Controlling, Bar Operations and Function Management, Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Kitchen Organization and Hygiene.<\/p>\n Tourism Management provides knowledge for careers in the broader tourism industry, with particular emphasis on Travel Management and Tour Guiding. Course topics include Destination Management, Tourism Management, Tourism Marketing, Incoming Business Organization, Travel Agency Management, New Trends in Tourism, and Tour Guiding.<\/p>\n Elective Options<\/strong><\/p>\n Students select one of two elective tracks:<\/p>\n The Teacher Training module suits candidates with educational backgrounds or those planning to train and supervise staff. Participants explore current trends in teaching and training while gaining practical experience both at the institute and through lectures at local schools.<\/p>\n The Entrepreneurship module allows students to develop their own business concepts, receiving professional guidance in marketing, finance, business development, and creating comprehensive business plans.<\/p>\n Classes run Monday through Friday, starting at 8:00 AM and potentially extending until 8:00 PM depending on the schedule. Students receive a 50-minute lunch break, with additional workshops scheduled on Saturdays.<\/p>\n German language instruction forms an integral part of the program. As Germany remains one of the world’s major source markets for tourism, German proficiency provides a competitive advantage. Since German is Austria’s official language, most internships require basic communication skills in the language.<\/p>\n Students undergo assessment in different subjects at the end of each semester. Those who successfully complete both semesters may submit their final papers, either business plans or teacher training fundamentals, and sit for the final diploma examination in May.<\/p>\n The final examination is an oral assessment conducted by a commission of examiners. Successful participants receive a Diploma in Hospitality Management or Tourism Management, acknowledged by the Austrian Ministry of Education and numerous international universities. The program awards a diploma rather than an academic degree.<\/p>\n Upon course completion, students have the opportunity to undertake a three-month industrial placement for additional practical knowledge and deeper insight into the Austrian tourism and hospitality industry. Students must apply for internships and arrange their own accommodation during this period, though the institute assists with organization and visa extension processes.<\/p>\n The institute accommodates students in residences throughout Salzburg. All participants stay in double rooms, separated by gender, with shared bathroom facilities. Washing machines and small kitchen facilities are available in common areas.<\/p>\n Scholarship recipients receive an annual public transport ticket for Salzburg to support their daily commute to the school at Salzburg Klessheim. The accommodation fee is non-refundable, even if students leave early for personal reasons or fail to comply with house rules.<\/p>\n Applicants must possess a general higher education entrance qualification, such as a GCE A-Level certificate or country-specific equivalent permitting university admission, or an academic degree from a recognized university. Candidates need a minimum of one year of experience in the tourism or hospitality industry.<\/p>\n Non-native English speakers must provide an internationally recognized certificate demonstrating English proficiency at CEFR B2 level. Scholarship applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old.<\/p>\n The institute seeks ambitious and open-minded candidates with strong organizational and time management skills.<\/p>\n The Austrian Development Agency offers scholarships to students from developing countries annually. The program provides fundamental education in hospitality or tourism management within an international environment, focusing on practical competencies and sustainable tourism development. Through pedagogical training or business plan development, students are empowered to contribute to sustainable tourism development in their home countries.<\/p>\n Applications must be submitted through the web application system at www.ith-salzburg.at<\/a> between September 1, 2025, and January 6, 2026.<\/strong> Scholarships are not automatically awarded but require a thorough selection process by the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and the Austrian Development Agency.<\/p>\n All complete applications undergo review after the application period closes. The institute notifies all scholarship applicants by email no later than April 2026 regarding their application outcome.<\/p>\n Scholarship recipients must pay a total admission fee of EUR 1,500, comprising a EUR 500 housing deposit and EUR 1,000 accommodation contribution, within two weeks of receiving their award. Failure to meet this deadline results in the scholarship being offered to another applicant.<\/p>\n After admission, students must apply for a residence permit called “Aufenthaltstitel Sch\u00fcler” at the Austrian Embassy in their home countries. This permit remains valid for the nine-month course duration and requires extension for the three-month internship period once students successfully complete the course and secure an internship position.<\/p>\n Required documents include a completed visa application form, insurance confirmation, accommodation confirmation, birth certificate, criminal record certificate, financial resources confirmation, a passport valid until at least November 30, 2027, and passport photographs. For travelling, students need Visa D documentation including travel insurance and flight information.<\/p>\n Depending on their country of origin, applicants may need to travel to an Austrian Embassy outside their home country, potentially incurring additional travel costs. The institute does not cover expenses related to residence permit and visa applications.<\/p>\n For detailed information about application requirements and the residence permit process, prospective students should consult the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs and the Directory of Austrian Representations.<\/p>\n For more information please visit their website here<\/a><\/p>\nSchedule and Language Training<\/h2>\n
Assessment and Certification<\/h2>\n
Industrial Placement<\/h2>\n
Accommodation Arrangements<\/h2>\n
Eligibility Requirements<\/h2>\n
Scholarship Opportunities<\/h2>\n
Application Process<\/h2>\n
Residence Permit Requirements<\/h2>\n